Buddy Guy at Legends in Chicago, IL

It was Buddy Guy’s fourteenth show out of sixteen of his annual January residency, and National Rock Review was again there to enjoy the show.

Every January, Buddy Guy takes to the stage at his Legends club every Thursday-Sunday, along with an array of opening acts and special guests. This year his been no exception, with the likes of Mike Wheeler and Guy King, as well as Quinn Sullivan and up and coming artist Melody Angel to name just a few.

Tonight, the opening honors fell on a Chicago favorite â€” Toronzo Cannon. Cannon has been making huge waves in the blues community and is going from strength to strength. His background of being a South Side-born and raised bus driver by day, bluesman by night has clearly influenced his music. Cannon has received four nominations for the 38th Annual Blues Music Awards, including being nominated for Song Of The Year for “Walk It Off,” which he performed for the Chicago crowd. The audience lapped up his performance, cheering and applauding him as he finished his set with the Chicago flag around his shoulders, making way for the great Buddy Guy himself.

It’s a late night by the time Buddy Guy makes his entrance. Many have been in Legends since the doors opened at 11 am and it’s been a long almost twelve hours, but you can’t tell looking at the enthusiasm of the crowd as the showman takes to the stage. Buddy truly is a showman, chatting in between the songs, laughing and joking with the audience; this man was born to perform on a stage. He might be 80 years old, but he plays a two-hour show four nights a week throughout the whole of January, something that very few musicians half his age could maintain. All the while, he is up there beaming, clearly loving every moment of what he does and does not look like he’s going to stop anytime soon.

Throughout his January residency, Buddy often has surprise special guests join him on stage. So far this year, he’s already had Susan Tedeschi and Derek Trucks join him, as well as his long-time friend, Earl Slick. Tonight it was time for another true elder statesman of the Blues, Bobby Rush, to join him on stage and perform a few songs. It’s not every day you get to experience such Blues prowess on one stage together.

As National Rock Review has noted before, although Buddy tours extensively throughout the year, there’s something truly special about getting to see him in his club. Surrounded by friends and family, it’s almost as if you are sitting in his living room. If ever you need a reason to visit Chicago, this is it. For Chicagoans, what better way to distract you from the January Blues, than going and listening to one of the Blues greats.

This current residency is now at its end, but be sure to keep an eye out for next year’s dates, as these are some of the hottest tickets around and are always sure to sell out.

About The Author

Kirstine moved from the UK to Chicago in 2011, and has fallen in love with the city and its music scene. She enjoys combining her two biggest passions – music and photography. If there is a band with a guitar playing, chances are she’ll be there…camera in hand. Kirstine went to her first live concert at 7 years old, and hasn’t looked back since!